Fall=Homecoming Dances!!

First a confession..

I never went to a Homecoming dance.

In my day we could only attend if we had a date!

I remember the lucky girls dressed in their plaid skirts with big Mum corsages pinned on their blouses, sitting in the bleachers watching the football game!   

I'm sure I was envious but I honestly don't remember wasting any time thinking about it!

There was always enough friends to hang with at the games..but we went home after the game while the others went to the dance.

My Grandkiddo's have all gone to their Homecoming dances..

They do not have the pressure of wondering if someone will ask them to the dance because everyone is welcome! I think this is wonderful and it allows each student to enjoy the tradition of Homecoming week!

As Nana to four high school students, I love this time of year! 

I look forward to seeing them dressed up and meeting their friends at parks to take pictures!!

First up was Emma and Jonah!
Emma is our Senior and Jonah is a Sophomore.
This year was very hard on my daughter, she cried most of the day knowing it will be the last time she helps Emma get ready for the dance!
It's OK, Erin, we still have two years with Jonah!

Emma and Jonah  2014

Cousin Daylee joined us for photos!

Next was Jaycie
  Unfortunately I was in Washington, visiting another Grandbaby,
and had to copy these pictures from her FaceBook page!
Jaycie is a Junior this year

Jaycie is on the far right!

Love this picture!

Last was Daylee our Freshman!!

Daylee with her brother Evan!

..with cousin Jaycie!

I'm so proud of these teens!
Each one is sweet, thoughtful and focused on the future!
I'm also proud of my daughters who are doing a wonderful job,
 raising each one to be a responsible, caring and productive adult!

Wishing my granddaughter a Happy Birthday!!!!

Daylee,

It's hard to believe that you are turning 15 today!

It seems like just yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time
and saw your sweet face peeking  out of the blanket. 

Now you are a young woman and will be learning to drive!!

I'm so proud of  your accomplishments, not only your grades in school but 

your dedication to Volleyball!  

I've seen you work hard, win graciously and face defeat with a smile on your face.

This year 

You accepted Jesus as your savior.

You started high school,

You made the Junior Varsity Team,

You passed your driving school,

You went on vacation with friends,

You blossomed into a beautiful woman whose

smile lights up the darkest room.

When you were little, before you went to bed,
you always wanted your mommy to sing

 " You Are my Sunshine". 

When you stayed with Nana, you wanted me to do the same....

Even though I could not carry a tune in a bucket,

I sang  your song before you would go to sleep.

As you grew older...I was the one going to sleep early 

while you and the cousins stayed up laughing, talking

and watching movies into the wee hours of the morning!

I cherish the wonderful memories we made on those spend-the-nights,
especially the year we tried numerous times to make the perfect cupcake!

Daylee,
You are intelligent, caring, sensitive and mature beyond your years. 

I can not wait to see what the next year holds for you 

and the blessings you will receive.

Remember to keep your Faith and Family close to your heart,

if times get hard, turn to them first.

Remember how much you are loved and how proud I am of you.

You Are My Sunshine,
I Love you to the Moon and Back,
Nana

New Blog Hop

Its been a long time since I've blogged, let alone joined a hop but this one sounds intriguing!

The blog is hosted by Retired Not Tired,
If you want to take a look, just click on the button.

A prompt will be posted every Monday,

Today's is : My First Home

I've had many homes over the years,
I've lived in Arizona, Missouri and Colorado.

My very first home was located in Glendale, Arizona.  
I was 19 and my hubby was 20 when we bought a 3 bedroom ranch, built in the 60's,  for $16,500.  Three of my daughters started their precious lives in this home and for the first couple of years it was our dream home.  As the girls grew and toys filled every nook and cranny,  we started to feel the effect of a small ranch.   Soon we decide to build on a bedroom, bath and large family room with a moss rock fireplace.  With the help of family and friends we did most of the work ourselves except the electrical and final plumbing.  I think it took us about six months to completion and there were many rough spots during that time.
This large project put a strain on an already precarious relationship and, unfortunately, we divorced.

I've thought of that home many times over the years/  The neighborhood was filled with young families just starting out and we all formed a quick bond.   I loved hosting Halloween parties, barbecues and card games. I hope each family was blessed with a beautiful life.